ADAZI NNUKWU CELEBRATE NEW YAM FESTIVAL IN GRAND STYLE /RECOGNIZES ILLUSTRIOUS SONS AND DAUGHTERS

Adazi Nnukwu which is one of the Okotu family in Anaocha local government area of Anambra state is a community highly reputable for its cultural heritage and social lifestyle.

According to two elders who spoke with Naija24Info, Mr Daniel Umeadi 75 (Umuife) and Mr Alphonsus Ikemelu 86 (Udoka) on brief history of the Okotu dynasty; the towns under this dynasty are
1. Adazi Enu
2. Adazi Ani
3. Adazi Nnukwu
4. Obeledu
5. Ichida
6. Amichi
7. Osumenyi
8. Ogodi
9. Ikenga

They however said Adazi Nnukwu despite the early arrival of the Christian missionaries has a strong tradition and upholds it judiciously.
Also a monarch, the Acting Adama and Clan Chief of Amolu clan Chief Pius Obiakonwa (Ezeana Udokamma) gave the intrigues and brief history of the New yam festival in Adazi Nnukwu; speaking in Igbo language he said

"Ome n'ana iwa ji bu ife di na Adazi gbo-gboh, obu ya ka ana'kpo bu mmuo okuko; emechazie bagharia ya afa obuluzie 'iwa ji" - the new yam festival in Adazi is an ancient tradition, formerly known as 'mmuo okuko' festival.

He further said that in the olden days, the elders perform certain rituals prior to the event. They also perform what he referred to as "Uka Kamanu" after that they slaughtered a lot of fowls. Then visitation of various extractions (Obu);

"in the current day Adazi Nnukwu, we mapped out the last weekend I'm August as the days for this great festival. As we are gathered here today at Afor square, which serves as the central Obu to mark the iwa ji festival; it is expected that by tomorrow every other extraction represented by clans would now go home and perform similar rites in their various homes."

Similarly, one of the illustrious sons of Adazi and Deputy Vice Chancellor University of Calabar (UNICAL), Professor Agustine Obiekezie (Ichie Ugommuta) pointed out that the iwa ji festival is one of the traditions the current Adazi inherited from their ancestors, he however lamented that the poor turnout of town's men cannot be compared to quarter the number of the people of Adazi Nnukwu thereby calling for review of certain aspects of the tradition to suit the modern day age and improve participation.

The event which held on Friday 29th of August 2015 had in attendance the Deputy Governor of Anambra state, His Excellency Dr Nkem Okeke; Chairman of Anaocha local government, Hon Engr. Ikeobi Ejiofor; The Honorable commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr (Mrs) Uju Nwogu; Special Advisers to the governor on fishery, Hon Emeka Iloghalu; Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Social re-orientation, Hon Mrs Mitchell Onugbolu; Chairman APGA Anaocha chapter, Barr Ndubisi Obiadi; Dean student's affairs department Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Professor Ken Nwogu; Deputy Vice Chancellor University of Calabar, Professor Augustine Obiekezie; Surveyor General of the federation, Professor Peter Nwilo; Ndi Nze na Ozo, Iyom and other title men and women; the clergy and other prominent personalities too numerous to mention...

The event featured cutting and eating of yam; numerous cultural performances by age grades and masquerades; the Uffieh dance by Ndi Nze na Ozo; special speeches by special persons and award presentation to some indigenes who have soared high in their respective fields of specialty.

List of awardees

1. Dr Barr (Mrs) Uju Nwogu
Hon commissioner for Informational, Culture and Tourism; the first Adazi Nnukwu indigenous commissioner in Anambra state.

2. Prof Peter Nwilo
Surveyor General of the federation who ensured the entire country is well mapped and represented on Google map and partnering the Anambra state government in oil exploration.

3. Hon Emeka Iloghalu
MD/CEO T-Martin Farm Ltd and Special Adviser to the governor on fishery.

4. Dr Mrs Ijeoma A. Muoka FNOA
MD Jireh Eye Clinic Awka /Philanthropist

5. Mrs Mitchell Onugbolu
Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Social re-orientation

6. Miss Adaku M. Igah
Governor's award recipient for outstanding performance in the ministry of planning and budgeting /A young achiever.

In his speech, the first Vice president of the ATDU, Engr. Cyril Anetoh (Ichie Ugonna) told our agency that the recognition and awards were geared towards encouraging the selected persons and making them the town's ambassadors as well as steering others to aim for excellence.

Miss Adaku Igah on her part said the recognition is to her an encouragement to do more... Stressing that the town has taken the best move by recognizing her indigenes and showing them they have their (town's) support.